82-year-old WaterMarc gym member Geoff Sheldon will live to see his daughter walk down the aisle later this year, thanks to the swift and decisive actions of the team at WaterMarc Banyule in Greensborough.  

While exercising on the rowing machine, Geoff suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest and lost consciousness. Without hesitation, the WaterMarc team sprang into action, administering CPR while emergency services made their way to the venue to continue treatment before transferring Geoff to Austin Hospital.

The team was also assisted by a medically qualified WaterMarc gym member, who provided valuable support, including helping deliver CPR and administering oxygen. Their combined efforts played a crucial role in ensuring the best possible outcome for Geoff.

As Geoff remained in an induced coma, his partner, daughter, and son flew in from around the world to be by his side. Remarkably, within 72 hours, Geoff regained consciousness—completely unaware of the dramatic events that had transpired and needing to be convinced that he had, in fact, suffered a cardiac arrest.

Thanks to the quick, life-saving response of the WaterMarc team, Geoff is on track for a full recovery and will have a pacemaker and internal cardioverter-defibrillator fitted to prevent future incidents.

To express their gratitude, Geoff’s family visited the venue to personally thank the WaterMarc team. Wes Hurrey, Venue Manager at WaterMarc, reflected on the emotional reunion: “It was an incredible and heartwarming experience for the team to meet Geoff’s family. Hearing firsthand how their efforts positively impacted not just Geoff, but his extended network of family and friends, was truly moving.”

Geoff’s son, Tom, emphasised just how critical the CPR had been to his father’s recovery: “The hospital made it clear that without the team’s immediate and effective CPR, along with getting emergency services on the way right away, Geoff would not be alive today—or would have suffered serious injury. Dad runs every second day through the parklands, and if this had happened there, the outcome might have been very different. On behalf of our entire family, including Geoff’s three grandchildren, I can’t thank the team enough.”

Geoff’s daughter, Anna, was overjoyed to thank the team who saved her father’s life. “Given what Dad went through, it’s truly remarkable that he’ll be at my wedding later this year. It just goes to show how CPR can—and does—save lives.” 

The WaterMarc team takes great pride in keeping their first aid skills sharp, with ongoing training, meetings, and communication to ensure staff are confident in handling any emergency. 

Geoff’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of first aid knowledge and the life-saving impact of a well-trained, ready team.

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